In fly ash handling systems, several types of conveyors can be used to transport the collected ash from collection points to storage or processing areas. The choice of conveyor depends on various factors including the characteristics of the fly ash, the layout of the plant, and the specific handling requirements. Here are the most commonly used types of conveyors for fly ash handling:
### 1. **Pneumatic Conveyors**
- **Description**: Pneumatic conveyors use air pressure to transport fly ash through pipes. They are suitable for handling fine particulate materials like fly ash.
- **Types**:
- **Dilute Phase Conveyors**: Transport materials in a low-pressure, high-velocity air stream. They are suitable for moving lighter and finer particles.
- **Dense Phase Conveyors**: Transport materials in a high-pressure, low-velocity air stream. They are used for handling heavier or denser particles.
- **Advantages**: Pneumatic conveyors are effective for moving fine materials over long distances and can be designed to handle varying capacities. They are also enclosed, which helps in controlling dust and maintaining a clean environment.
### 2. **Screw Conveyors (Auger Conveyors)**
- **Description**: Screw conveyors use a rotating helical screw blade (auger) within a tube to move materials along the conveyor. They are effective for handling bulk materials like fly ash.
- **Advantages**: They are compact, easy to install, and can handle materials with varying flow characteristics. Screw conveyors can be configured to operate horizontally, inclined, or at an angle.
### 3. **Drag Chain Conveyors**
- **Description**: Drag chain conveyors use a chain to drag material along a trough or within a tubular casing. They are suitable for handling materials that may be abrasive or have a high density.
- **Advantages**: Drag chain conveyors are robust and can handle heavy and abrasive materials. They are also enclosed, which helps in controlling dust and spillage.
### 4. **Bucket Elevators**
- **Description**: Bucket elevators consist of a series of buckets attached to a belt or chain, which lift the material vertically from one level to another.
- **Advantages**: They are ideal for vertical transportation of fly ash from lower to higher elevations. Bucket elevators are efficient and can handle large quantities of material.
### 5. **Vacuum Conveyors**
- **Description**: Vacuum conveyors use suction to move materials through a pipeline. They are especially effective for fine powders and dust-like materials such as fly ash.
- **Advantages**: They provide a clean and efficient way to transport fine particulate matter. They also help in minimizing dust emissions and contamination.
### Selection Criteria
- **Material Characteristics**: Fly ash is often fine and may be abrasive, so the conveyor type should be chosen based on these characteristics.
- **Distance and Elevation**: The type of conveyor will depend on the distance and vertical lift required.
- **Dust Control**: Enclosed systems or those with good dust control measures are essential for handling fly ash to minimize environmental and health impacts.
- **Capacity**: The conveyor system should be able to handle the required flow rate of fly ash efficiently.
- **Maintenance**: Consideration for ease of maintenance and durability, given the potentially abrasive nature of fly ash.
Each type of conveyor has its own advantages and is selected based on the specific needs of the fly ash handling system in the waste-to-energy plant.
Post time: Aug-30-2024